Louisiana House Bill HB814

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Provides relative to required governance of certain nonprofit corporations that receive funds from the state

Impact

If enacted, HB 814 would impact several state laws by reinforcing the criteria under which nonprofit corporations can access state funds. The requirements include having board members appointed from various state entities, such as the legislative auditor and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, along with established procedures for financial transparency. The expectation is that these changes will help ensure that public funds are being managed effectively and that the nonprofits receiving these funds are held accountable for their operations and expenditures.

Summary

House Bill 814, introduced by Representative Jay Morris, aims to put forward a series of corporate governance requirements for nonprofit corporations that engage in contracts with state agencies and receive significant public funding. The bill specifies that contracting entities must meet these governance standards to ensure accountability in the management and use of public resources. Its provisions are designed to reinforce the oversight mechanisms already in place under the 'Accountability for State Resources Act'. By mandating specific governance structures, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and integrity in how public funds are utilized by these organizations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 814 appears to be supportive among advocates for accountability and transparency in public funding. The bill is perceived as a necessary step toward improving the governance of organizations that handle taxpayer money. However, there may be concerns from some quarters about the potential for increased bureaucratic hurdles for nonprofits trying to comply with the new regulations. The balance between oversight and operational flexibility for nonprofits is likely to be a point of discussion among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 814 involve the implications of stringent governance requirements for nonprofits, as some may argue that increased oversight could stifle the effectiveness and operational capacity of these organizations. Critics may voice concerns that the additional layers of governance could deter potential contracts with the state, ultimately affecting services provided to the community. The discussion around the bill emphasizes the importance of accountability while also highlighting the challenges it poses for the operational dynamics of nonprofits.